Sam (Erie, PA) writes...

Dear Bob:

Your advice regarding the heavy diatom growth I was having in my recently set-up 180 marine aquarium was, as usual, right on the button. I carefully siphoned the upper layer of the exposed sand areas, and although this took some sand with it, the sand bed was deep enough to easily account for this. The returning growth was much lighter, and one week later I followed this procedure again and the problem was solved! I then re-arranged the rock to make access to the sand areas easier, and the tank now looks great. My latest reading with a Salifert nitrate kit was just 1 ppm, so it appears this tank is functioning as expected. Sorry it took so long to get back and thank you.

If you don't mind, I have one other question. Our best marine aquarium store here in Erie, PA received a Regal Angelfish exactly one month ago (February 28th), and it was easily the finest specimen I had ever seen. It was the Red Sea version, with a bright yellow-orange chest and distinct coloration. Some say the Red Sea specimens are hardier than the Indo-Pacific ones. It was very thick-bodied, evidence that it was living quite well on the reef before it was taken. We both know the dismal survivability record of this fish, and for years I would never consider this type of angelfish for any of my aquariums. However, upon visiting this store (about twice a week) this angel has done great over the past month, and has not lost any bulk (he's still as fat as the day he arrived). I have asked the dealer to feed him several times, but he refuses the meaty foods he is offered -- such as mysis shrimp or plankton. However, he greedily goes after the lettuce-clip with nori that is put in his tank twice a day. He even goes after pieces that break loose and float about in the tank. The dealer refuses to sell him to certain customers whom he labels as "Dr. Death", knowing their poor track record with delicate specimens such as this. However, he indicated that if I were truly interested, he'd sell him to me for the discounted price of $90 (he's $110 retail). The dealer knows that my record with some of the more difficult to keep fish is very good, and he believes that my 180-gallon tank (with 206 pounds of live rock) would suit this fish well. However, I'm concerned about the fact that he's only eating nori, and ignoring other food types. Obviously, my 180-gallon tank would be a much better home for him than the dealer tank he is in now. But, the tank is only four months old and I usually wait at least six months before introducing questionable types into newly established aquariums.

Based on your experience, do you think I'm being foolish to even consider a 'regal'? I may be this fish's best shot for survival, but I'm torn when it comes to purchasing specimens that should really be left in the sea. Does the fact that he's only taking nori concern you, or do you believe he could suffice on such a diet? Several years ago I had a beautiful three-spot (flagfin) angelfish who was dynamic and bold. I took excellent care of him (varied diet, good water quality, etc.), but at the one year mark he went down hill rapidly for no apparent reason, and within one week I lost him. Some might say I did well to keep him for one year, but I don't see it that way. If the Regal Angelfish is truly impossible, is there one or two that are your favorites that you might recommend (larger than centropyge species)? For the record, the resident fish already in this tank include a Pebbled Butterflyfish (c. multicinctus), One-spot Foxface, a Tri-color Wrasse, an African Flameback Angelfish, and a Cherub Pygmy Angel. All are quite peaceful, though the little pygmy becomes a bit pugnacious whenever a new fish is added. He usually settles down in a day or two.

Thanks, again. I appreciate your input.

Sam